Device and method for delivering shape-memory staples

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler; and a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Division of application Ser. No. 12/603,987, filed 22 Oct. 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/162,462, filed 23 Mar. 2009, and is a continuation-in-part of International Application no. PCT/AU2008/000623, filed 2 May 2008, which claims priority to Australian provisional patent application no. 2007902314, filed 2 May 2007, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to methods and devices for delivering shape-memory staples. According to some embodiments, the delivered shape-memory staples can be used for securing a graft to another body.

BACKGROUND

In some types of surgery, it can be advantageous to use staples to affix tissue or grafts to other tissues or grafts. Such staples can serve to keep the tissues and/or grafts together while the body heals or undergoes treatment.

Not all medical stapling devices are effective or optimal for each situation in which deployment of staples may be necessary or desirable.

The described embodiments address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with previous devices and/or methods for delivering shape-memory staples or at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising:

a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler; and

a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers.

Some embodiments relate to a device for delivering shape-memory staples, the device comprising:

a handle formed as a pistol grip;

a trigger actuator coupled to the handle;

a drive mechanism coupled to the trigger actuator and the handle; and

a delivery portion coupled to the drive mechanism, the delivery portion comprising retention walls for retaining the staples within the delivery portion in an elastically deformed configuration and release apertures for releasing the staples to adopt a deployed configuration based on their shape memory, wherein the delivery portion is configured to cause one end of each staple to protrude from the delivery portion in response to actuation of the trigger actuator.

Some embodiments relate to a device for delivering shape memory staples, the device comprising:

a grippable portion;

a delivery portion coupled to the grippable portion, the delivery portion comprising retention walls for retaining the staples within the delivery portion in an elastically deformed configuration and release apertures for releasing the staples to adopt a deployed configuration based on their shape memory, wherein the delivery portion is configured to cause one end of each staple to protrude from the delivery portion in response to actuation of the first actuator; and

a head portion positioned at a tip of the delivery portion, the head portion being retractable in a proximal direction to cause the tip to flare outwardly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are described hereinafter in further detail and by way of example, the detailed description of which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for delivering shape-memory staples;

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing a proximal drive mechanism in further detail;

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of part of an actuation mechanism of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing a striking mechanism in further detail.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing a head retraction actuator and barrel in further detail;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator clutch of the device, showing an outer clutch sleeve and delivery sleeve in further detail;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator clutch, showing an inner clutch sleeve and expander rod in further detail;

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of the actuator clutch, showing a core rod and drive clutch in further detail;

FIG. 7B is a perspective partial cutaway view of the actuator clutch, illustrating advancement of the core rod and drive clutch;

FIG. 8A is a side cross-sectional view taken along a vertical centre line of the device of FIG. 1, showing the device in an unactuated state;

FIG. 8B is a plan view of the device in the unactuated state, as shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion, taken along a vertical centre line similar to FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a plan view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion corresponding to FIG. 8C;

FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view taken along a vertical centre line of the device of FIG. 1, showing the device in a partially actuated state;

FIG. 9B is a plan view of the device in the partially actuated state shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the actuator clutch and the delivery portion, taken along a vertical centre line similar to FIG. 9A, shown with the device in the partially actuated state;

FIG. 9D is a plan view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion corresponding to the partially actuated state in FIG. 9C;

FIG. 10A is a side cross-sectional view taken along a vertical centre line of the device of FIG. 1, showing the device in a further actuated state;

FIG. 10B is a plan view of the device as shown in FIG. 10A in the further actuated state;

FIG. 10C is a cross-section of the actuator clutch and delivery portion, taken along a vertical centre line similar to FIG. 10A, showing the actuator clutch and delivery portion in the further actuated state;

FIG. 10D is a plan view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion shown in the further actuated state;

FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view taken along a vertical centre line of the device of FIG. 1, showing the device in a still further actuated state;

FIG. 11B is a plan view of the device in the still further actuated state shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the actuator clutch and deliver portion, taken along a vertical centre line similar to FIG. 11A, showing the actuator clutch and delivery portion in the still further actuated state;

FIG. 11D is a plan view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion in the still further actuated state;

FIG. 12A is a side cross-sectional view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion, taken along a plane angularly offset from the vertical centre line of the device, showing the actuator clutch and delivery portion in a final actuation state;

FIG. 12B is a plan view of the actuator clutch and delivery portion shown in the final actuation state;

FIG. 13A is a partial cutaway perspective view of a delivery portion of the device of FIG. 1, showing the delivery portion in the unactuated state;

FIG. 13B is a partial cutaway perspective view of the delivery portion, with the device in the partially actuated state;

FIG. 13C is a partial cutaway perspective view of the delivery portion, with the device in the further actuated state;

FIG. 13D is a partial cutaway perspective view of the delivery portion, with the device in a further partially actuated state;

FIG. 13E is a partial cutaway perspective view of the delivery portion, with the device shown in the final actuation state;

FIG. 14A is a partial side sectional view of the delivery portion, shown when the device is in the unactuated state;

FIG. 14B is a partial side sectional view of the delivery portion, shown with the device in the partially actuated state;

FIG. 14C is a partial side sectional view of the delivery portion, when the device is in the further actuated state;

FIG. 14D is a partial side sectional view of the delivery portion, when the device is in the still further actuated state;

FIGS. 14E, 14F and 14G illustrate a progressive sequence of release of the staples to a deployed configuration, illustrating the delivery portion in partial side cross-section; and

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of a delivery sleeve of the device, showing insertion apertures and a release aperture for the staples.

Like reference indicators as between the drawings are intended to indicate like elements, features or functions. The drawings are not to scale and should be considered to be exemplary, for the purposes of illustrating features and functions of the described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described embodiments relate generally to devices for delivering shape-memory staples 910 and staple delivery methods performed using such devices. In some embodiments, a staple delivery device 100 comprises a striking mechanism 190 for delivering a striking blow to cause ends of the staples 910 to protrude in a stabbing manner, thereby enabling the staples 910 to penetrate dense and/or hardened substances surrounding the staple delivery site.

In other embodiments, release apertures 554 for releasing the staples 910 from a delivery portion 140 extend in a slight spiral relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery portion 140. In still further embodiments, the device 100 comprises a somewhat bulb-shaped portion 660 positioned at a delivery end of the device 100 and configured to be axially withdrawn into the delivery end to cause a substantially cylindrical sheath 550 around the delivery end to slightly flare outwardly.

In some further embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a dome-shaped cap 145 at a distal end of the device 100 that is movable between a proximal position, in which an apron 147 at an open end 148 of the domed portion 145 fits around the cylindrical delivery tip 142, for example to hold a graft in place, where the graft is a substantially tubular graft fitting around at least part of the shaft 130 of the device 100, and a distal position. In the distal position, the dome-shaped cap 145 does not overlie the cylindrical end tip portion 142 and allows radial protrusion of one end of each staple 910 into the graft, in preparation for delivery of the staples to affix the graft to another body.

Embodiments of the device are shown and described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 15, by way of non-limiting example. As shown in FIG. 1, device 100 includes a grippable handle 110 having a palmar grip 111, a ratchet 112, a depressible trigger 150 and a finger grip portion 152. When device 100 is held in a hand, grippable handle 110 is shaped to accommodate palmar grip 111 in a palm and/or thenar area of the hand, with fingers extending around trigger 150 and finger grip portion 152 so that device 100 can be firmly held and operated. Trigger 150 is movable relative to ratchet projections 113 a, 113 b and 113 c by squeezing the third, fourth and fifth fingers of the hand, for example. Ratchet 112 cooperates with an angled trigger foot 155 at the base of trigger 150, which acts as a ratchet engagement portion, to hinder outward movement of trigger 150 relative to a main body of handle 110. Trigger foot 155 can be actuated to successively engage ratchet projections 113 a, 113 b and 113 c, with ratchet projection 113 a maintaining trigger 150 in an unactuated state.

Trigger 150 is pivotable relative to finger grip portion 152 of handle 110 about an axis defined by a trigger pivot pin 151 received in a pin hole 153 formed in the finger grip portion 152. Trigger 150 has a split claw 154 formed at an opposite end to trigger foot 155 to engage a proximal drive mechanism 160 described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, handle 110 further comprises a movement limiting bolt 115 positioned in a body of the handle 110 to limit inward movement of trigger 150. A spring 116 is positioned around movement limiting bolt 115 and is at least partially received within the body of the handle 110 at one end and positioned around a spring registration boss 117 formed on an inner face of trigger 150. Spring 116 serves to bias trigger 115 outwardly, so that trigger foot 155 sits against a ratchet projection 113 a, 113 b or 113 c. Handle 110 also houses a retention bolt 118 to affix the proximal drive mechanism 160 to handle 110.

Ratchet 112 is preferably formed of a flexible spring steel. Ratchet 112 may be secured to a base 114 of handle 110 by base bolts 114 a received through ratchet apertures 112 a at one end of ratchet 112. Ratchet projections 113 a, 113 b and 113 c are formed at an opposite end to apertures 112 a and ratchet 112 is sufficiently flexible so that trigger 150 can be moved outwardly past one or more ratchet projections 113 a, 113 b or 113 c (to reset trigger 150 after actuation) when ratchet 112 is resiliently deflected downwardly away from the body of handle 110.

Handle 110 is coupled to an actuation portion 120 which comprises a proximal actuation portion 122 and a distal actuation portion 124. A shaft 130 is coupled to distal actuation portion 124 to communicate actuation movements and forces to a delivery portion 140 positioned at a distal end of device 100.

In the context of this description, positional references are used, assuming that device 110 will be held in the manner of a pistol, with base 114 being oriented generally downwardly and a “barrel” of the “pistol” extending generally outwardly. The relative term “proximal” should be interpreted to indicate a direction or position close to or toward a palm of the hand when the hand is positioned around handle 110 in the intended manner previously described. The term “distal” is intended to indicate a direction or position opposite to “proximal”, which will generally be away from the hand gripping handle 110. These and other positional references are provided for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the actual position or orientation of the device during use.

Proximal actuation portion 122 includes proximal drive mechanism 160 and a striking mechanism actuable by a striking actuator 180.

As shown in FIG. 2A, proximal drive mechanism 160 comprises a proximal drive sleeve 162 coupled to and resting against a top of handle 110. Proximal drive sleeve 162 has a proximal end insert 164 received through an open proximal end of sleeve 162. An insert locator pin 211 is received through a correspondingly sized aperture in proximal end insert 164 and through radial aperture 214 formed in proximal drive sleeve 162. Insert locator pin 211 remains partially received in radial aperture 214 to fix proximal end insert 164 in position within sleeve 162. A drive spring 212 is also positioned within sleeve 162 so as to have one end of the spring positioned against an internal boss on proximal end insert 164. Spring 212 is positioned partially around a projecting boss of a proximal end 222 of a first clutch portion 220 that is also received within proximal drive sleeve 162. Spring 212 serves to bias first clutch portion 220 in a distal direction.

Proximal drive sleeve 162 partially houses a second clutch portion 230 that has a further slotted end 232 shaped to mate with a keying end 226 of the first clutch portion 220. Second clutch portion 230 has a neck portion 234 positioned intermediate first slotted end 232 and a second slotted end 236. Neck portion 234 is shaped to partially meet and engage with split claw 154 of trigger 150 so that proximal actuation of trigger 150 (i.e. by squeezing the fingers of the hand) causes distal movement of split claw 154, which engages second clutch portion 230 around neck portion 234 to cause second clutch portion 230 to move distally within proximal drive sleeve 162.

A staple release actuator 165, generally formed as a projecting lever and indicated as “Lever D” in the drawings is coupled to first clutch portion 220 by a screw threaded coupling through threaded hole 224 formed in first clutch portion 220. A moment applied to staple release actuator 165 causes rotation of first clutch portion 220 about a longitudinal axis of device 100. This rotational movement of first clutch portion 220 causes like rotational movement of second clutch portion 230, which in turn causes like rotation of a drive clutch 740 (described in further detail below) to move part of delivery portion 140 relative to outer delivery sleeve 550 (where permitted by the positioning of release actuator limiting rod 812 within release actuator limiting channel 512, as described below).

Proximal drive sleeve 162 has an enlarged distal end with a male threaded cylindrical wall 218 for threaded engagement with barrel housing 410 (FIG. 4). A top screw 178 is insertable through a screw-receiving aperture 418 in barrel housing 410 and into a threaded aperture 168 formed in the distal end of proximal drive sleeve 162 to fix barrel housing 410 to proximal drive sleeve 162.

A spring 250 and positioning element 260 are received in the distal end of proximal drive sleeve 162 and in the proximal end of barrel housing 410 to receive and position second slotted end 236 relative to a clutch head portion 742 of drive clutch 740.

Proximal drive sleeve 162 has a slotted aperture 216 formed toward a distal end of sleeve 162 to receive a striking transmission portion 188 of anvil 186 therethrough. Striking transmission portion 188 is configured to project downwardly from within a generally cylindrical striking actuator housing 181 through slotted aperture 216 to be received in neck portion 234. Opposed claws of split claw 154 may be sized to fit around the reduced diameter portion of neck portion 234 and to at least partially receive a lower extremity of striking transmission portion 188. Thus, movement of either of anvil 186 and trigger 150 causes movement of second clutch portion 230 along its longitudinal axis.

As shown in FIG. 3, striking mechanism 190 comprises a striking piston 185 axially movable within striking actuator housing 181 (formed as a hollow cylinder) to act as a hammer upon anvil 186 under the action of a striking actuator spring 183 proximally positioned within housing 181. A striking actuator 180, formed as a lever, and shown in the drawings as “Lever C”, may be coupled to striking piston 185 by means of screw-threaded engagement. Striking actuator 180 extends radially through an L-shaped guide channel 182 formed in housing 181. Part of guide channel 182 extends circumferentially to allow for rotational movement of striking actuator 180 and striking piston 185 within housing 181. However, housing 181 also defines a longitudinal section of guide channel 182 that permits striking actuator 180 to move longitudinally within that section of guide channel 182.

One end of spring 183 is positioned against an end cap 187 secured at a proximal end of housing 181, for example by screw threaded engagement. The other end of spring 183 acts on an inner cap 184 having a boss around which fits the end of spring 183. Inner cap 184 abuts a proximal end of striking piston 185 so that, under the action of spring 183, striking piston 185 is biased in the distal direction.

When striking actuator 180 is in an unactuated position, it is received within the circumferential portion of guide channel 182, in which the part of striking actuator housing 181 that defines guide channel 182 hinders distal movement of striking actuator 180. In order to actuate striking actuator 180 (move it into an actuated position), striking actuator 180 may have a moment applied to rotate it toward the longitudinal section of guide channel 182 so that striking piston 185 and striking actuator 180 become free to move in the distal direction under the biasing action of spring 183.

Striking actuator housing 181 may be secured to proximal drive sleeve 162 by receipt of a proximal end screw 166 through an aperture formed in a downwardly pending positioning flange 312 formed on or attached to housing 181. A threaded end of proximal end screw 166 may be received in a matingly threaded proximal end of proximal end insert 164 in order to secure proximal end screw 166 in position and thereby assist in fixedly locating housing 181 on top of, and adjacent to, proximal drive mechanism 160. Axes of movement of the mechanisms within proximal drive mechanism 160 and striking mechanism 190 are generally longitudinal and parallel.

As an additional means of securing housing 181 relative to proximal drive sleeve 162, a distal end 314 of housing 181 is configured to mate with and receive a positioning boss 322 located toward a distal end of proximal drive sleeve 162. Positioning boss 322 is fixed relative to the cylindrical barrel of proximal drive sleeve 162 and is positioned to be slightly above a distal end of slotted aperture 216.

Referring also to FIG. 4, head retraction actuator 170 and barrel housing 410 are described in further detail. Head retraction actuator 170 comprises a bar 171 received within a bar receiving channel 174 defined by a head portion of a rotation key 173. A ball 172 is received in an aperture formed in a shaft of rotation key 173 in order to fix bar 171 in position relative to channel 174. Rotation key 173 has a cam 175 on an inner end thereof for engaging and proximally shifting inner clutch sleeve 610 (FIG. 6) by a camming engagement of a distal face 611 a of proximal end flange 611 of inner clutch sleeve 610. Rotation key 173 is received within registration barrel 176, which is received by screw-threaded engagement with actuator insert port 414 formed in one side of barrel housing 410. Registration barrel 176 has a male screw thread 177 for engaging with a corresponding female screw thread within actuator insert port 414.

Barrel housing 410 comprises a threaded proximal end 412 sized to fit around and engage with threaded cylindrical wall 218 of proximal drive sleeve 162. Barrel housing 410 also comprises an internal annular flange 420 within which sits positioning element 260. At its distal end, barrel housing 410 has a threaded distal end 416 from which upper and lower registration bosses 422 extend distally to register and mate with registration notches 522 formed at corresponding upper and lower positions on external annular flange 442 of actuator clutch 440.

A retention cap 128 slides over a distal end of actuator clutch 440 to retain actuator 440 within barrel housing 440. Retention cap 128 has an internal thread 426 to engage with threaded distal end 416 of barrel housing 410 and has an internal annular flange 432 to engage and abut a distal face of external annular flange 442, to thereby retain actuator clutch 440 within barrel housing 410. A distal opening in retention cap 128 allows a distal portion of actuator clutch 440 to extend therethrough, along with shaft 130.

Head retraction actuator 170, also shown in the drawings as “Lever B”, can be partially rotated about a central axis of rotation key 173, which is normal to the longitudinal axis of device 100. This rotation causes retraction of a somewhat bulb-shaped expander head 660 within delivery portion 140, thereby causing delivery sleeve 550 to flare outwardly somewhat adjacent delivery tip 142.

It should be noted that the length of shaft 130 is depicted in FIGS. 2A, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A and 7B as being quite short. This is done for ease of illustration only and does not represent the actual length of shaft 130. Rather, the relative length of shaft 130 as shown in FIG. 1 is intended to more accurately reflect the intended configuration of device 100, although it is to be noted that the drawings are not to scale.

Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, actuator clutch 440 is shown and described in further detail. Actuator clutch 440 comprises an outer clutch sleeve 510 and an inner clutch sleeve 610. Outer clutch sleeve 510 mostly surrounds inner clutch sleeve 610, except for a proximal end flange 611 which extends radially outwardly to an extent that it circumferentially coincides with an outer circumference of outer clutch sleeve 510. Outer clutch sleeve 510 and inner clutch sleeve 610 have radial apertures 514 and 614 to accommodate a locating cylinder 630 and radial screw apertures 516 and 616 to allow for insertion of a fixation screw 538 to affix inner delivery sleeve 820 an inner rotatable part of actuator clutch 440.

The generally cylindrical wall of outer clutch sleeve 510 defines a release actuator limiting channel 512, having a generally L-shaped configuration. Release actuator limiting channel 512 receives a head of release actuator limiting rod 812 therein in a manner such that channel 512 limits relative movement between outer clutch sleeve 510 and limiting rod 812. Limiting rod 812 is coupled to internal parts of actuator clutch 440 and is indirectly coupleable to proximal drive mechanism 160 as described below, and plays an important role in avoiding premature actuation of staple release actuator 165.

Outer clutch sleeve 510 has an outer sleeve proximal end opening 524, through which a proximal end of inner clutch sleeve 610 is received, and an outer sleeve distal end opening 526, through which a proximal portion of the shaft 130 extends. A distal end 542 of outer clutch sleeve 510 has a number of circumferentially spaced fixation apertures 537 for receiving fixation screws 536 to secure delivery sleeve 550 within outer sleeve distal end 542. Outer clutch sleeve 510 also defines an annular wall 546 toward distal end 542, against which a spring 562 and positioning ring 530 are located. Spring 562 serves to bias some internal components of actuator clutch 440 in the proximal direction. Spring 562 is positioned internally of positioning ring 530, which has approximately the same inner diameter as inner clutch sleeve 610.

The components of shaft 130 are generally coaxial with inner and outer clutch sleeves 610, 510, barrel housing 410 and proximal drive mechanism 160, although striking mechanism 190 is axially offset therefrom.

Distal actuation portion 124 includes head refraction actuator 170, barrel housing 410, actuator clutch 440, shaft 130 and delivery portion 140.

As shown in FIG. 5, outer delivery sleeve 550 has a proximal end received within outer sleeve distal end opening 526 and affixed to outer sleeve distal end 542 by fixation screws 536. At its distal end, outer delivery sleeve 550 has a number of release apertures 554, formed as generally longitudinally extending slots in the end of outer delivery sleeve 550. Release apertures 554 extend all the way to the distal extremity of outer delivery sleeve 550, thereby defining fingers 552 arranged in an interrupted cylindrical configuration. Fingers 552 define a generally angled inner profile at the distal opening of outer delivery sleeve 550 to accommodate engagement with a corresponding angled outer surface 662 of expander head 660. When expander head 660 is withdrawn slightly in the proximal direction, angled outer surface 662 engages and slides against angled inner profile 558 which, because fingers 552 are formed of a resiliently deflectable material, causes the fingers 552 to deflect slightly radially outwardly, thereby causing delivery tip 142 to flare outwardly. This outward flaring can assist in forcibly expanding vessel walls, for example, and can enable release of the staples at a radially increased position which, considering the generally circular shape memory of the staples, can lead to improved medical stapling quality.

Delivery sleeve 550 also defines insertion apertures 556 through which deformed (i.e. relatively straightened) staples can be inserted so as to be received within staple receiving chambers 826. Insertion apertures 556 may be formed as slots that are generally parallel to, but offset from, release apertures 556. Insertion apertures 556 are of a substantially shorter length than release apertures 554 and are positioned close to, but slightly proximally of, the proximal extremity of release apertures 554.

Inner clutch sleeve 610 defines a release actuator limiting channel 612 to permit movement of release actuator limiting rod 812 in proximal and distal directions, but not axially. When limiting rod 812 is allowed to move rotationally within limiting channel 512, limiting rod 812 causes inner clutch sleeve 610 to rotate along with limiting rod 812. This causes rotation of expander rod 650 to which inner clutch sleeve 610 is rotatably coupled by a locating cylinder 630. Specifically, expander rod 650 has its proximal end 652 received through a diametrical through hole 632 formed in locating cylinder 630. A fixation screw 636 is positioned axially within locating cylinder 630 to fix expander rod 650 relative to locating cylinder 630.

As shown in FIG. 6, expander head 660 is positioned at the distal end of expander rod 650 and has staple protrusion slots 664 extending in a generally axial but outward direction on the outside of expander head 660 to accommodate protrusion of staples 910 from within staple receiving chambers 826. Expander head 660 also has a shoulder 668 against which distal ends 824 of inner delivery sleeve 820 abut when inner delivery sleeve 820 is moved to its distal-most position. Angled outer surface 662 transitions from shoulder 668 to the radial and distal extremity of expander head 660, which generally positionally coincides with delivery tip 142.

Expander rod 650 comprises a generally hollow cylindrical wall 651 through which core rod 710 passes and is movable. Expander rod 650 is received within inner delivery sleeve 820, which is in turn received within outer delivery sleeve 550. Core rod 710 has a rod proximal end 712 and a rod distal end 714. Distal end cap 145 is positioned at the distal end 714. Distal end cap 145 may comprise a flexible medical grade plastic apron 147 extending proximally from the distal extremity of distal end cap 145. Apron 147 is intended to have enough firmness to hold a graft onto distal tip 142 in the unactuated position.

Proximal end 712 of core rod 710 is received within a diametrical through-hole 722 of a locating cylinder 720. Core rod 710 is affixed to locating cylinder 720 by a fixation screw 730 axially received within locating cylinder 720. Core rod 710 extends through diametrical through-hole 722 to be at least partially received within a central bore 743 of drive clutch 740. Drive clutch 740 also has a transverse bore 744 to accommodate locating cylinder 720. This arrangement is such that, when second clutch portion 230 engages clutch head portion 742, rotational or axial force applied to second clutch portion 230, for example by any of Levers A, C and D, such force is transmitted to core rod 710 and to components housed within inner clutch sleeve 610.

Drive clutch 740 has distal annular wall portions 746 arranged to interleave with and abut corresponding circumferentially spaced annular wall portions 840 to limit excessive distal movement of drive clutch 740 responsive to second clutch portion 230 and permit a clutching action for rotation transfer.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A to 8D, an unactuated position of device 100 is described. In the unactuated position, first and second clutch portions 220, 230, anvil 186 and drive clutch 740 are located in relatively proximal positions according to their limited freedom of movement within their respective housings. In this state, because of the position of limiting rod 812 within limiting channel 512, outer clutch sleeve 510 and inner clutch sleeve 610 cannot rotate relative to each other and limiting rod 812 is prevented from rotating relative to outer clutch sleeve 510. As a result, inner delivery sleeve 820 is prevented from rotating within outer delivery sleeve 550.

In the unactuated state, distal end cap 145 is at its proximal-most position, in which open end 148 of domed-shaped apron 147 partially overlies distal delivery tip 142, thereby hindering accidental protrusion of staples 910 from delivery tip 142 prior to their intended release.

It is intended that staples 910 be inserted into staple receiving chambers 826 in their deformed (straightened) configuration when device 100 is in the unactuated state.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A to 9D, device 100 is described in relation to a first actuation state, which is one of several possible actuation states. The first actuation state is achieved by forcing lever 150 to move proximally, for example by squeezing fingers to cause them to curl inwardly towards a hand gripping handle 110, so as to move trigger foot 155 inwardly by one ratchet position. The levering action of trigger 150 about trigger pivot pin 151 causes split claw 154 to move distally. This in turn forces second clutch portion 230 in a distal direction, which in turn causes drive clutch 740 and core rod 710 to move distally by a certain amount, such as a few millimetres, for example.

After the first actuation, distal annular wall portions 746 of drive clutch 740 advance to be adjacent proximal annular wall portions 840, so as to be able to rotationally engage therewith. Thus, distal annular wall portions 746 effectively provide interleaving fingers to interleave with corresponding proximal annular wall portions 840 in order to transmit rotational force from drive clutch 740 to annular wall portions 840, which are in turn rigidly coupled to limiting rod 812 and inner delivery sleeve 820. In the first actuation state, limiting rod 812 remains in its proximal-most position within limiting channel 512. The purpose of the first actuation is to distally progress distal end cap 145 so as to allow subsequent protrusion of staples 910 from distal delivery tip 142 and to engage drive clutch 740 with annular wall portions 840 (to act as a clutch).

Referring now to FIGS. 10A to 10D, a second actuation state of device 100 is described in further detail. In the second actuation state, head retraction actuator 170 (Lever B) is twisted so that, instead of bar 171 being generally horizontal and parallel to barrel housing 410, it is rotated 90 degrees anticlockwise (as seen in FIG. 10A) so that bar 171 is positioned vertically. By thus rotating bar 171, rotation key 173 is caused to rotate counter-clockwise, which causes cam 175 to engage distal face 611 a of proximal end flange 611 to shift inner clutch sleeve 610 in a proximal direction by an amount configured according to the shape of clutch 175. For example, inner clutch sleeve 610 may be moved proximally by about 0.5 mm under the action of cam 175.

Retraction in the proximal direction of inner clutch sleeve 610 causes expander rod 650 to be shifted proximally by the same amount, while core rod 710, outer delivery sleeve 550 and inner delivery sleeve 820 remain unmoved, except for a slight flaring of outer delivery sleeve 550 at distal tip 142, as described previously. The flaring of delivery portion 140 is caused by the action of the angled outer surface 662 of expander head 660 acting on the angled inner profile 558 of fingers 552, thereby outwardly deflecting fingers 552. This flaring of distal tip 142 may be configured to result in an increased diameter of approximately 1 to 2 mm, for example.

The second actuation step achievable by actuation of head retraction actuator 170 is not necessary to achieve release of the staples 910, but may be desirable to provide greater expansion of a vessel wall. It is considered that this may provide improved stapling quality.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A to 11D, third and fourth actuation states are described in further detail. In the third actuation state, trigger 150 is depressed proximally in a further step so that trigger foot 155 rests proximally of ratchet projection 113 c, which causes split claw 154 to further advance second clutch portion 230 in a distal direction. This causes inner sleeve 820 to be pushed distally by drive clutch 740, thereby advancing staples 910 positioned within staple receiving chambers 826. When staples 910 are received within staple receiving chambers 826, jagged or irregular inner chamber walls 822 partially defining the staple receiving chambers 826 serve to frictionally engage staples 910 so as to encourage them to advance within their respective chambers. An additional or alternative advancement means is provided by inward detent 828 formed in inner delivery sleeve 820 to coincide with staple receiving chambers 826. The inward detents 828 are formed so as to allow each staple 910 to at least partially nest therein based on their shape memory, which is configured to cause them to adopt an approximately circular deployed configuration. As inner delivery sleeve 820 progresses distally, inner chamber walls 822 and/or inward detents 828 assist in moving staples 910 so that one end thereof passes through staple protrusion slots 664 and extends somewhat radially outwardly from tip portion 142. This third actuation state allows for partial protrusion of the staples 910, for example to cause them to protrude at least partially through a graft positioned around delivery tip 142.

Inward detents 828 are formed as radially inwardly curved (concave) deformations in inner delivery sleeve 820 adjacent delivery sleeve distal ends 824. Detents 828 provide axial engagement as well as suitable orientation of the staples 910 so that when freed, the staples 910 have their ends come together at a position outside and away from delivery portion 140 (as illustrated in FIGS. 13E and 14A). If the staples 910 are not oriented properly within receiving chambers 826, their ends may not come together in the right position to achieve the desired stapling effect.

In a fourth actuation state, striking mechanism 190 is actuated to deliver a striking blow to inner delivery sleeve 820 within delivery portion 140. The striking blow is communicated to delivery portion 140 by the application of a moment to lever 180 so as to rotate striking piston 185 and lever 180 into a position where spring 183 biases the striking portion 185 in a distal direction, thereby causing striking piston 185 to act as a hammer upon anvil 186, which communicates the kinetic impact of the hammer blow to second clutch portion 230 via striking transmission portion 188 of anvil 186. Second clutch portion 230 thus receives a kinetic impulse in the distal direction, which is communicated to drive clutch 740 through abutting contact of second clutch portion 230 with drive clutch 740. Drive clutch 740 in turn communicates the kinetic impulse to annular wall 840 which is coupled to the inner delivery sleeve 820.

The distally directed kinetic impulse communicated from the striking mechanism 190 is configured to cause further protrusion of the protruding staples 910 in an approximately stabbing manner. The intention of such stabbing protrusion of staples 910 is to cause protruding ends of staples 910 to be able to break through relatively dense tissue or substances that may have formed on the vessel walls where the join is desired to be made.

Delivery of the striking blow in response to actuation of the striking mechanism 190 is an optional step that can be omitted if desired. Additionally, according to some embodiments, striking mechanism 190 may provide more than one circumferential slot position for lever 180. This is so that greater or lesser compression of spring 183 in the proximal direction may be achieved in order to provide greater or lesser kinetic impact upon anvil 186 when striking mechanism 190 is actuated.

Referring also to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a fifth and final actuation state is described in further detail. Because the advancement of drive clutch 740 also distally advanced annular wall 840 and therefore advanced limiting rod 812 relative to outer clutch sleeve 510, completion of the third actuation state enables the final actuation state (i.e. release of the staples) to be performed. This is because the distal movement of limiting rod 812 relative to outer clutch sleeve 510 and limiting channel 512 positions limiting rod 812 to be able to slide laterally within limiting channel 512. This allows rotation of inner delivery sleeve 820 within outer delivery sleeve 550 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, so that the longitudinally extending staple receiving chambers 826 coincide with release apertures 554, thereby freeing staples 910 to adopt a circular deployed configuration (920) according to their shape memory.

Because of the thinness of the wire used for staples 910, 920 and the strong shape memory induced in such staples, the ends of the staples are sharp enough and come together with enough force to penetrate the tissue surrounding delivery tip 142. Although FIGS. 11A to 11D, 12A and 12D show the distal delivery tip 142 being flared, this need not necessarily be the case. Actuation of staple release actuator 165 causes release of staples 910 through release apertures 554 whether delivery tip 142 is flared or not.

The rotation of inner delivery sleeve 820 relative to outer delivery sleeve 550 is caused by application of a moment to staple release actuator 165, such as by pressing it downwardly. Such a downward movement applied to staple release actuator 165 (Lever D) causes rotation of first clutch portion 220, which transmits rotational movement to annular wall portions 840 via a second clutch portion 230 and drive clutch 740. As annular wall portions 840 are coupled to inner delivery sleeve 820, the downward moment applied to Lever D causes the longitudinally extending staple receiving chambers 826 to align with release apertures 554 to allow staples 910 to spring outwardly and adopt their deployed configuration.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E illustrate the unactuated state, the first actuated state, the second actuated state, the third actuated state and the fifth and final actuated state, progressively. Illustration of the further projection resulting from actuation of the striking mechanism 190 is not shown as a distinct state separate to that of FIG. 13D, but FIG. 13D may be considered to depict the result of a combination of the third and fourth actuation states, as described above.

Similarly, FIGS. 14A to 14G illustrate the configuration of delivery portion 140 during progressive actuation states. FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D respectively correspond to the unactuated state, the first actuation state, the second actuation state and third and fourth actuation states. FIGS. 14E, 14F and 14G progressively illustrate the fifth actuation state, in which the release of staples 910 from release apertures 554 is illustrated for embodiments of device 100 in which release apertures 554 are formed to have a slight spiral (i.e. to be slightly angled relatively to a longitudinal axis, as illustrated in FIG. 15).

For embodiments in which the release apertures 554 are angled, the release apertures 554 are configured so that, while distal ends of the staples 910 protrude from delivery tip 142, at an initial stage of release only a proximal part of release apertures 554 comes into alignment with the underlying staple receiving chambers 826. This allows a proximal end of each staple 910 to begin to curl outwardly from chambers 826 as a result of its shape memory. This initial protrusion of the proximal ends of staples 910 at the beginning of the release stage is illustrated in FIG. 14E.

As can be seen in FIG. 14F, as inner delivery sleeve 820 progressively comes more into alignment with release apertures 554, more of the proximal end of each staple is freed to adopt its deployed configuration, although the staple 910 is not yet completely freed. As FIG. 14F illustrates, the proximal end of each staple 910 tends to curl upwardly so that, once the inner delivery sleeve 820 is brought into further alignment with release apertures 554, as shown in FIG. 14G the opposite ends of each staple 910 are allowed to come together in a pinching and piercing action which is considered to be more effective for some stapling purposes than if there were no progressive release of the proximal end of each staple 910.

Although FIGS. 14A to 14G illustrate the release of only one staple 910 into a deployed configuration 920, this is for simplicity of illustration only and it should be understood that multiple staples are released at the same time from a number of different circumferentially spaced positions. Device 100 can be configured to have four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve release apertures 554 (and a corresponding number of insertion apertures 556), depending on which configuration may be suited for a particular stapling application. Additionally, although staples 910 appear to be bent between shoulder 668 and delivery tip 142 in FIGS. 14A to 14F, such bending of the staple does not occur in quite the way it is illustrated. Rather, such bending, if it occurs, will be rather smooth, instead of being a sharp bend in the wire.

The angle of release apertures relative to the longitudinal axis of outer delivery sleeve 550 is relatively shallow, such as about 1 degree to about 7 degrees, for example. The angle may be varied, depending on the number of release apertures 554 provided in delivery portion 140.

The wire used as staples 910, 920 may be nitinol wire, for example, with a diameter of between about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. Some specific embodiments are configured to deploy staples of about 0.3 mm or about 0.33 mm in diameter.

The use of shape-memory staples as described herein avoids the need for staples to be deformed by being forced against an anvil to adopt the desired staple shape, thus obviating the extra components and logistical difficulties associated with having an anvil at the staple delivery end of the stapler.

While embodiments are described herein in specific detail, it is to be understood that such embodiments are described by way of example and are not to be construed to be limiting with respect to equivalents or to limit the scope of the invention.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

PARTS LIST 100 stapler 110 handle 111 palmar grip 112 ratchet 112a bolt holes 113a, b, c ratchet projections 114 handle base 114a base bolts 115 movement limiting bolt 116 biasing spring 117 spring registration boss 118 retention bolt 120 actuation portion 122 proximal actuation portion 124 distal actuation portion 128 retention cap 130 shaft 140 delivery portion 142 delivery tip 145 distal end cap 147 apron 148 open end of apron 150 trigger (Lever A) 151 trigger pivot pin 152 finger grip portion 153 pin hole 154 split claw 155 ratchet engagement portion/trigger foot 160 proximal drive mechanism 162 proximal drive sleeve 164 proximal end insert 165 staple release actuator (Lever D) 166 proximal end screw 170 head retraction actuator (Lever B) 171 bar 172 ball 173 rotation key 174 bar receiving channel 175 cam 176 registration barrel 177 screw thread 178 top screw 180 striking actuator (Lever C) 181 striking actuator housing 182 guide channel 183 striking actuator spring 184 inner cap 185 striking piston/hammer 186 anvil 187 end cap 188 striking transmission portion 190 striking mechanism 211 insert locator pin 212 drive spring 214 radial aperture 216 slotted aperture 218 threaded cylindrical wall 220 first clutch portion 222 clutch proximal end 224 threaded hole 226 keying end 230 second clutch portion 232 first slotted end 234 neck portion 236 second slotted end 250 spring 260 positioning element 312 positioning flange 314 distal end 322 positioning boss 410 barrel housing 412 threaded proximal end 414 actuator insertion port 416 threaded distal end 418 screw receiving aperture 420 internal annular flange 422 registration boss 426 internal thread 432 internal annular flange 440 actuator clutch 442 external annular flange 510 outer clutch sleeve 512 release actuator limiting channel 514 aperture for locating cylinder 516 screw aperture 522 registration notch 524 outer sleeve proximal end opening 526 outer sleeve distal end opening 530 positioning ring 536 fixation screw 537 fixation aperture 536 fixation screw 542 outer sleeve distal end 546 annular wall 550 outer delivery sleeve 552 fingers 554 release aperture 556 insertion apertures 558 angled inner profile 562 spring 610 inner clutch sleeve 611 proximal end flange 611a distal face of proximal end flange 612 release actuator limiting channel 614 aperture for locating cylinder 616 screw aperture 618 inner sleeve distal end 630 locating cylinder 632 diametrical through-hole 636 fixation screw 650 expander rod 651 cylindrical wall 652 proximal end 660 expander head 662 angled outer surface 664 staple protrusion slots 668 shoulder 710 core rod 712 rod proximal end 714 rod distal end 720 locating cylinder 722 diametrical through-hole 730 fixation screw 740 drive clutch 742 clutch head portion 743 central bore 744 transverse bore 746 distal annular wall portions of drive clutch 812 release actuator limiting rod 820 inner delivery sleeve 822 chamber inner wall 824 delivery sleeve distal end 826 staple receiving chambers 828 inward detent 840 annular wall portions (coupled to inner delivery sleeve) 910 staples (deformed configuration) 920 staples (deployed configuration) 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A method of fastening using an apparatus that includes a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler, and a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers, the method comprising: placing staples into the chambers of the apparatus, in a straightened configuration, moving the sleeve between the first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers, and the second position whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed condition.
 12. The method of claim 11, for attaching a graft, wherein the graft is initially carried by the apparatus until secured in place using the staples.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising using the apparatus to form end to end or end to side joints of tubular bodies with multiple joining staples.
 14. A device for delivering shape-memory staples, the device comprising: a handle formed as a pistol grip; a trigger actuator coupled to the handle; a drive mechanism coupled to the trigger actuator and the handle; and a delivery portion coupled to the drive mechanism, the delivery portion comprising retention walls for retaining the staples within the delivery portion in an elastically deformed configuration and release apertures for releasing the staples to adopt a deployed configuration based on their shape memory, wherein the delivery portion is configured to cause one end of each staple to protrude from the delivery portion in response to actuation of the trigger actuator.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the trigger actuator is configured to be actuable by squeezing fingers of a hand when the hand grasps the handle in the manner of a pistol.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein actuation of the trigger actuator causes relative movement of at least one clutch member within the drive mechanism to cause movement of at least one part of the delivery portion relative to at least one other part of the delivery portion in preparation for delivery of the staples.
 17. The device of claim 14, wherein the handle comprises a trigger-positioning ratchet for facilitating positioning of the trigger actuator relative to handle.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein the trigger actuator is actuable in a first step to cause the device to adopt a partially actuated state and in a second step distinct from the first step to cause the device to adopt a further actuated state.
 19. The device of claim 14, further comprising a release actuator actuable to cause the release of the staples through the release apertures.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the device is configured to only allow actuation of the release actuator after full actuation of the trigger actuator.
 21. The device of claim 14, wherein the device is configured to deliver staples formed of wire.
 22. The device of claim 14, wherein the retention walls define a radially inward detent for at least partly engaging respective staples to promote axial movement of the staples in a distal direction.
 23. The device of claim 14, wherein the release apertures are formed as generally longitudinally extending slots.
 24. The device of claim 14, wherein the delivery portion further comprises insertion apertures for allowing insertion of the staples between the retention walls.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the insertion apertures are positioned close to, but radially offset from, the release apertures.
 26. A device for delivering shape memory staples, the device comprising: a grippable portion; a delivery portion coupled to the grippable portion, the delivery portion comprising retention walls for retaining the staples within the delivery portion in an elastically deformed configuration and release apertures for releasing the staples to adopt a deployed configuration based on their shape memory, wherein the delivery portion is configured to cause one end of each staple to protrude from the delivery portion in response to actuation of the first actuator; and a head portion positioned at a tip of the delivery portion, the head portion being retractable in a proximal direction to cause the tip to flare outwardly.
 27. The device of claim 26, wherein slots are formed in the tip to interrupt a distal periphery of the tip and wherein a material of the tip is elastically deformable.
 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the tip is configured to allow the staples to protrude from the tip when the tip is flared, whereby staples delivered from the flared tip are released at a radially increased position relative to when the tip is not flared. 